Spotlight On...

Village Baking Co.

Contact 214.951.9077
Village Baking Co. provides UCPID residents with artisan breads and pastries

What motivated you to open Village Baking Co.?

Kim and I honeymooned in France. It was there that we both recognized the lack of true old-world-style breads in Texas. That's really been our mission ever since -- combining traditional baking methods with unique Texas flair. Boulangerie, our retail store name, is what every village bakery is called in France, hence the name Village Baking Co.  

What are some unique aspects of Village Baking Co.?

Many of our pastries are from specialized regions of France and we make everything using the traditional methods. These are items you cannot find almost anywhere else in the USA, let alone Texas! Additionally, our flour is milled right here in Texas, and we use local and organic ingredients whenever possible. We are proudly a non-GMO facility.

What is the best part of owning a business in the UCPID?

We have immediate access to a great and loyal customer base. Additionally, we love the proximity to SMU, many students of which have become wonderful and cherished employees.

When you are not working, where is your favorite place to dine, shop, or relax in the PID?

Twisted Root Burger Co. on SMU Blvd is a favorite dining spot! Additionally, we love going to the Angelika Film Center to catch a unique movie or documentary.

If you had to choose one Village Baking Co. bread to eat every day for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Our Pain au Levain. It means "sour bread" in French, and is made with our 14-year-old sourdough starter. It has become a signature loaf here for our customers.  

SPOTLIGHT ON..

Holt Veterinary

Contact: Holt Veterinary Clinic at holtvet.com

Tell us a little about Holt Veterinary Clinic
Holt Veterinary Clinic is a full-service clinic that has called University Crossing home since 1946. While recently renovated, the clinic pays homage to the history of the neighborhood with a pictorial timeline of milestone events for the neighborhood and the clinic. Today, Geoff Bratton, DVM, owns the clinic and runs the practice with four other veterinarians.

What should we know about Dr. Bratton?
Dr. Bratton is a part of the clinic's history as well. As a high school student at Highland Park High School, Dr. Bratton worked at the clinic and was inspired to pursue veterinary medicine as a career. He feels the clinic is a piece of his family and works hard to maintain the family feel for every pet and pet owner who comes through the door.

What are some quick facts about the clinic?
Holt Veterinary Clinic's five doctors serve more than 24,000 pet patients every year
Holt treats pets from the M Streets, Park Cities, Lake Highlands and more
Services the clinic provides include: boarding, pet dentistry, pet vaccinations, grooming, pharmacy services, pet surgery and more
The staff has a tenure of 7-10 years or more
Many clients have been with the clinic for several generations

When not working, where can we find the doctors of Holt Veterinary Clinic?
You will most likely find the doctors at University Crossing's Union Coffee.
 
What makes Holt Veterinary Clinic special?
Holt Vet is committed to providing old-fashioned service with cutting-edge medicine for your pets -- they've been doing it for more than 60 years. If you are interested in learning more about Holt Veterinary Clinic or the doctors and staff, we encourage you to visit the website at www.holtvet.com. 

A Note from the Executive Director

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Football is king in Texas; so, it's a good thing we can enjoy it in our own backyard with a new season of SMU football! The UCPID is excited to support SMU in its Unbridled 100th Anniversary. We are inviting all of the UCPID to Gerald J. Ford Stadium for the SMU v. James Madison Homecoming game on Saturday, September 26th at 6:00pm. With your homecoming game tickets, the first 5,000 attendees will receive a Peruna bobblehead, all earn a chance to win a Mustang and a fireworks show after the game. You can purchase your ticket here.
 
As we enter a new season of football and a new school year, it is important to remember that UCPID has provided for additional security in the PID with the Expanded Neighborhood Patrol (ENP) through the Dallas Police Department. UCPID funds are allocated to help keep our PID safe and over the past year the ENP team has decreased response time for emergency calls, put the panhandlers on notice and made several arrests for shoplifting and burglary. Because of the UCPID investment in the ENP, we are a safer and more secure neighborhood for our residents, business and visitors. Here's a link to charts showing the security statistics, courtesy of our ENP.
 
Many more exciting events are happening in the UCPID this month! We are working with TXDoT to finalize a pedestrian study so that improvements can be made along the frontage roads and into the PID. In addition, the City has awarded the construction contract for the University Crossing Bridge and Trail extension. Preliminary construction will begin on this project in October.
 
Business and development is thriving in the UCPID! With new restaurants like Spin Pizza, new neighbors at the Shelby, and businesses like Glenstar moving in, the UCPID community is growing every day. And as our PID grows, we are looking for more volunteers to join our board committees. If you are interested in serving on a UCPID volunteer committee, please do not hesitate to contact me at ginger@universitycrossing.com.
 
Also, mark your calendars for the upcoming UCPID mixer. Please join us on September 17th from 5:30 - 7:00pm at The Highland Dallas for our UCPID Happy Hour. Big thanks to The Highland, Knife and Holly Bock Deason for your support.
 
To close, I'd like to wish SMU a Happy 100th Birthday! I'll be at the Homecoming game. I hope you'll join me to root on our neighbor Mustangs!
 
 
Ginger Greenberg
Executive Director

Spotlight On...

SPOTLIGHT ON...
SMU Unbridled 100

Contact: Suzanne Massey, Director of Community Outreach

Share with us a brief history of the founding of SMU:
Southern Methodist University originated as a bold vision shared by church, civic and education leaders. Although the university's location was initially undecided, land and funds provided by the Caruth, Armstrong, and Daniel families, strengthened the Dallas bid. On April 17, 1911, the charter was signed establishing SMU in Dallas. Southern Methodist University was meant to be a new breed of university -- centrally located in an urban center and European-styled with a premier school of arts and sciences surrounded by professional schools. SMU was also designated to be nonsectarian in its teaching while cherishing the spiritual and moral values of the church.

Looking back on the past century, what were some of the most memorable moments:
Since the opening of SMU's first classrooms in 1915, the university has celebrated momentous occasions for students, faculty, and institutions alike. In 1948, three-time All-American running back, Doak Walker, won the Heisman trophy -- a first in SMU history. In 1969 SMU's school of arts was officially named in honor of benefactor Algur H. Meadows. Recently, the Meadows School of Arts was named the top music school in the country by USA Today College. One of the most memorable moments in SMU history occurred in 1980 when SMU graduate, James Cronin, won the Noble Prize in Physics. The university grew with the opening of the SMU-in-Plano campus in 1997 and with the return of SMU football to the Dallas campus in the year 2000.

More recently, in 2013, the George W. Bush Presidential Center opened on the SMU campus. This center -- consisting of a library, museum, and an independent institute --was a huge honor for SMU to receive over six other competitors. Although SMU is proud of all the memorable moments from the past one hundred years, the university believes the best is yet to come.

How can we celebrate this momentous milestone with SMU:
To commemorate the Centennial Anniversary, SMU is hosting several events on campus. A few of these events include: the Homecoming Parade on September 25th, the Celebration of Lights on November 30th, and various exhibits at the Meadows Museum and Bush Center. To find out more, please visit www.smu.edu/100. Let's celebrate SMU's Centennial together.

A Note from the Executive Director

Every summer has a story. Even this one. August in the University Crossing Public Improvement District is full of exciting new beginnings and also the celebration of rich history in the area.
 
We will welcome students back to school at SMU and Stonewall Jackson Elementary in mid-August for a new school year. Keep an eye out for back-to-school shoppers and students new to the area who are testing out the University Crossing neighborhood.
 
It is also the beginning of celebrating the rich history and 100th anniversary of SMU. Help us celebrate by joining us in a SMU Reads Common Read of Emily Mandel's Station Eleven, as well as an open talk with the author on September 9th at 6pm in McFarlin Auditorium. You can register for SMU Reads here.
 
Further, we welcome the new Magnolia Hotel to the University Crossing PID and look forward to the cool deals that are available at the new venue.
 
The University Crossing PID continues to provide increased security with the Dallas Police Department Expanded Neighborhood Patrol. In addition, we hosted the first Marketing Connections meeting that was well attend and received many updates from property owners in the PID. If you have an event in the PID that you'd like us to promote through the website or PID social media channels, please let us know.
 
Summer in the PID also included the July University Crossing PID board meeting where members were presented with the results of an urban architecture plan for the neighborhood. If you are interested in being a part of the University Crossing PID Board and Committee, please email me at ginger@universitycrossing.com.
 
Thank you for keeping University Crossing safe and inviting. Stay cool!
 
Happy Summer,
 
Ginger Greenberg
Executive Director

Congratulations to the "Snap & Win" Contest Winner!

Thank you to the contest sponsors:
The Highland Dallas
Knife Dallas
Bánh Shop
Whole Earth Provision Co.
Exhale Spa
Central Market
Grub Burger Bar

"Picture with my BFF at Glencoe Park near #UCDallas #dayout"

Spotlight On...

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities

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Where once stood a Holiday Inn, now stands the Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities, one of University Crossing's newest establishments.

A brief history of the Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities:
A 12-million dollar renovation jump started the debut of the Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities as a 292-room boutique hotel and as the newest addition to the Magnolia Hotel family. The hotel joins sister properties located in the urban centers of Denver, Downtown Dallas, Houston, St. Louis and Omaha - all offering superior service in stunning architectural structures. The brand originated in Denver, with the purchase of an urban building that would then be renovated into the first Magnolia Hotel.

What inspired the move into University Crossing:
The UCPID neighborhood is surrounded by the city's top cultural attractions, corporate offices, shopping and dining. All of these sites are readily available from US-75 or the Dallas DART Rail. Also, the great location is an approximate 5-mile drive to Downtown Dallas and Love Field Airport, allowing for ease of access to Dallas destinations.

A special feature of the establishment:
All Magnolia hotels offer complimentary breakfast buffets in the morning, beer and wine receptions in the evening, and bedtime cookies and milk at night. Additionally, the new hotel houses 12,000 square feet of meeting space, perfect for corporate meetings, conferences or social events.

Contact: Kerry Kincheloe, Director of Sales
kkincheloe@magnoliahotels.com

Spotlight On...

Mike Baughman, Executive Director and Community Curator of Union Coffee 

Please tell us about your role at Union Coffee:

Just as a museum curator takes works of art and puts them together to strengthen the individual pieces, I bring together businesses in and around Union Coffee to strengthen the community. 

When did you move your business into the PID: 

We opened on November 16, 2012.

Your business has a great cause, please share with us what Union Coffee is about:

Union Coffee converts the typical coffee shop model into a hub of generosity for the neighborhood. We dedicate 10% of all coffee sales to area non-profits in the hope we can inspire our customer to be more generous. And every four months, we adopt a new cause by raising funds, awareness and engagement. We consistently support Stonewall Jackson Elementary, Southern Methodist University and a project called Capes 4 Kids that puts superhero capes on the backs of children with chronic diseases. At Union Coffee, we try to build connections to mobilize our community for good.

How has the neighborhood changed since Union Coffee opened:

More businesses and residential developments are moving into the neighborhood -- and we love it. There is a culture of cooperation rather than competition in University Crossing. We are eager to develop creative partnerships and exchange other ways we can support the businesses around us.

You host unique events at the Union, which event is your favorite:

I love The Naked Stage on Fridays. It is an uncensored story-telling and spoken-word, poetry stage where people tell their stories without notes, props or microphones. It's a great opportunity for people in our neighborhood to hear each others stories, learn about the incredible work of area non-profits, laugh, be inspired and connect with other people. 

Spotlight On...

Windle Turley, Founder of Turley Law Firm

Please tell us about your current role at the Turley Law Firm:
I started the Turley Law Firm in 1973 and moved the firm in 1983 to its current location at University Boulevard and North Central. We have remained there, and I am still the chief manager and senior trial attorney of our firm. We continue our practice focused on personal injury litigation.

Favorite UCPID place to have lunch and what you typically order:
I enjoy several local lunch spots, including Kostas, Cafe Brazil, and Ozona's.

Last movie you saw at the Angelika Film Center:
My wife and I frequently return to this neighborhood for a weekend film at the Angelika. We have seen some great ones there.

A charity you consistently support and why:
We enjoy supporting The Education Foundation and scholarships for graduating seniors from our small hometown of Cheyenne, Oklahoma. We were both raised in that community -- there were 13 in my graduating class, and 3 in my wife's class -- and we want to encourage these students to continue with their education.

Spotlight On...

Meadows Building

A nine-story office building, built in the '50s, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month. Located on north side of the PID, on Greenville and 75 Central Expressway, we chose to feature this grand monument for our May feature.  
 

A brief history of the Meadows Building:  
Built in 1955, the building is celebrating its 60th year this month.  It was built to house the oil and gas company of Algur H. Meadows, the General American Oil Company of Texas.  They occupied the upper floors, while the lower floors were 100% pre-leased before the construction was completed.  Mr. Meadows gifted the establishment to his company's retirement plan, and in return, they honored him by naming it the Meadows Building.  His family and their foundation, The Meadows Foundation formed in 1948, have been and continue to be amazing benefactors to the Dallas community.
 
The architectural significance:
The architect for the building, J.N. MacCammon, incorporated design elements that Mr. Meadows and his wife Virginia appreciated after spending quite a bit of time in Spain. They fell in love with the architecture and art there, as is reflected in the red brick seen on the building, along with the long balconies that are accessed from individual offices and the marble in the building lobby. The design of the plaza behind the building was heavily influenced by Mrs. Meadows, and was a stylized artist's palette with the design extending onto the roofs of the two wings of the building surrounding it.  The art the Meadows collected while in Spain became the beginnings of the collection now housed at the Meadows Museum at SMU.  The building has been preserved both on the interior and the exterior to retain that Spanish flair, along with the classic mid-century modern elements of the '50s.
 
How the UCPID neighborhood has changed since the opening of the Meadows Building:
When the building was built, it was the first high rise outside of the immediate downtown area.  Industrial buildings - on a two-lane Greenville Avenue and a four-lane US 75 -surrounded the establishment. This area is now vibrant with businesses both large and small, and holds its own in the city as a must-see destination.
 
A unique feature or service of the establishment:
Because of its determination to retain the retro-cool elements, the building now has become a haven for creatives.  Its suites are filled with architects, designers and other businesses that support their industry - these tenants have sought out and chose to office in a building that makes a creative statement just as they do.
 

DART, Uber Stepping Up "Complete Trip" Efforts

North Texas travelers should find it easier to park their cars and let someone else do the driving thanks to an enhanced collaboration between DART and the popular car service, Uber.

Following a successful trial during the Dallas St. Patrick's Parade, Uber and DART are helping travelers connect with the Uber application through DART's GoPass℠ mobile ticketing application. Now DART customers can reach the Uber app to order their car to begin or finish their transit trip through the "Events & Offers" section of the GoPass app. Both apps are available for Android and Apple smartphones through Google Play or the App Store.

This type of connection makes it easier for travelers who begin or end their trips in places not easily served by DART to use a train or bus for the longest portion of their trip. Transit agencies across the country are trying to solve the "first mile/last mile" riddle and the DART, Uber collaboration is seen as one way to do that.

To encourage people to try the new combination, Uber is offering a free first ride (up to $20) to new customers. Transit customers can use the GoPass app to plan a transit trip and purchase a DART pass before arriving at the station or stop.

Uber information is available at Uber.com and DART information is at DART.org.

Spotlight On...

Ann Todora,

Founder of Parkit Market

When did you open Parkit Market:
My husband Frank and I opened Parkit Market in 1962 and we are now celebrating our 53rd year in business. My five sons -- Tony, Pete, Michael, Steve and Johnny -- and my daughter, Gina, continue to operate the business today. I serve on the board of directors and also contribute by preparing homemade deli items like our meatloaf, egg salad, barbeque and much more.
 
How has Greenville Avenue changed since you have been in business:
When we opened in 1962, there was no red light at the corner of Greenville and University. At the time, E. University Blvd was a dirt road, the Energy Square property was a tree farm, and there was no Village Apartments or Old Town shopping center. We felt like pioneers, but we knew this property had great potential.
 
A favorite place to have breakfast in the UCPID and what you typically order:
I usually eat one of our breakfast sandwiches at Parkit Market, but we sometimes stop in at Starbucks for a cup of coffee and a cheese roll.
 
How do you think the UCPID will change in the next few years:
It's been wonderful watching this area change over the past 50-plus years, and I think UPCID will create a tremendous advantage. When we work together, we can increase security, keep the streets clean, and promote the Greenville Avenue in a positive manner.
 
Your favorite television show:
Law and Order, Everybody Loves Raymond, or any western TV show or movie.

Pedestrian Bridge at Mockingbird Station: A DMN Story

By MELISSA REPKO

Follow @melissa_repko

mrepko@dallasnews.com

Staff Writer

Published: 26 February 2015 11:07 PM

Updated: 26 February 2015 11:25 PM

For pedestrians and cyclists who’ve dodged traffic for years near Mockingbird Station, relief finally is in sight.

That’s the promise city officials are making with the latest timeline for a multimillion-dollar bridge that will span busy Mockingbird Lane near North Central Expressway.

They say construction could begin by fall, with the suspension bridge opening 15 months later. But neighbors say the city has missed so many deadlines that some have dubbed the bridge across the six-lane street “an urban myth.”

“I truly won’t believe it until I see it now,” said Millicent McLane, who first heard about the bridge idea when she moved into her nearby condo. That was eight years ago...

Read the full article at Dallas Morning News

UC Member Update: Greenville Parade Info

Dear Neighbor,

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association (G.A.A.B.A.) is proud to present the 36th Annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival on Greenville Avenue, which will be hosted on Saturday, March 14, 2015. We are equally proud and excited to announce our Presenting Sponsor, the Dallas Mavericks, and marketing partner, Cyber Dust (a Mark Cuban Company). We are also excited to announce the addition of key sponsors such as FIAT of Dallas, Monster Energy, Emergency Ice, Snuffers Hamburgers, DART, Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Dallas Morning News, and Ben E. Keith Distributors. Please help us by showcasing their products or services whenever possible, within your business or out in the community.

As you might have noticed or heard in the news, yes, we are the new Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival, and although our vision for the parade has expanded, the location has and will not change. We truly have become the largest annual parade in North Texas and the largest St. Patrick’s parade in the Southwest.

We are excited to announce our continued partnership with the Meadows Building (Sunwest Real Estate Group) for our second annual Family Zone, sponsored by the Family Place of Dallas. Again, we have secured prime bleacher seating along the parade route for one thousand lucky parade attendees ($20/seat available for purchase at www.dallasstpatricksparade.com). We are also excited to announce the addition of our first annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade “BREW FEST” sponsored by Ben E. Keith Distributors, which will be located at the Office Depot parking lot. The Mavericks will host their “Mavs Corner” by the CVS Pharmacy and we are also hosting VIP Tailgate Sections for a nominal fee. We would like to thank Westwood Financial Corp (WFC) for their valued partnership.

The Parade is good for all of us: the City of Dallas benefits by the thousands of visitors and valuable tax revenue that the Parade brings to the city. And for the sixth year, G.A.A.B.A. is proud to continue its DISD Scholarship Fund for deserving graduating high school seniors in our immediate area.

Key Parade elements and timelines are listed below:

Saturday, March 14, 2015 –

Southbound Greenville Ave. from Blackwell to Yale Blvd. will be closed at 9:00 a.m. Northbound Greenville Ave. from Yale Blvd. to Blackwell will be closed at 10:00 a.m.

Cross streets that will remain open (under police traffic control) are Caruth Haven, Southwestern, and University Blvd.

G.A.A.B.A. will again be hiring Moore Disposal, Inc. to provide the street clean-up this year. Prior to the parade, the clean-up crew will do a run-through to collect all trash accumulated. Cardboard bins will be placed throughout the parade route. During the parade, crews will be moving along the route, collecting trash and disposing of it in the dumpsters. Immediately following the parade, the street sweeper and crews will clean all of the remaining street trash. 

G.A.A.B.A. is again partnering with recycling companies to promote a “Go Green” atmosphere. The Dallas Sierra Club (www.texas.sierraclub.org/Dallas/) will also be providing volunteers and recycling bins to clean up along the parade route.

G.A.A.B.A. will be placing port-a-lets along the parade route. Having these port-a-lets on your property will help minimize unwanted restroom traffic before, during and after the parade. If you would like to order additional port-a-lets, please contact: Gloria Salas with Moore Disposal at 214.357.4357 ext 417.

All merchants/property owners are responsible for clean-up in their parking lots and on their property.

Below is a list of our preferred vendors for any assistance in your parade planning:

BEN E. KEITH:

Benny Cavazos (Area Sales Manager) Cell: 214-869-0562 bennycavazos@benekeith.com

GOLF CARTS:

Stephanie Wright
Grapevine Golf Cars
Office: 817-251-8032 Stephanie@grapevinegolfcars.com

BARRICADES (Fencing, etc.):

Jeremy J. Glenn
Senior Sales Account Manager
Cell: 972-877-4653 jeremy.glenn@unitedsiteservices.com

Will Finch
Ops Manager
Cell: (817) 822-8362 Willliam.finch@unitedsiteservices.com

Dave Annis
Fence Manager
Cell: (817) 822-6398 David.annis@unitedsiteservices.com

TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS:

Francisco: 972-363-3001 Franciscor@thmtx.com

SANITATION:

Gloria Salas
Sales Coordinator

_________ 

Moore Disposal
Cell: (214) 980-3756 EXHIBITOR RENTALS: David or Jill Husband (817) 343-5353

EMERGENCY ICE:

For all your “Emergency Ice” needs, and only minutes away, call the Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade official ice provider, Emergency Ice.
Earl Toler
Emergency Ice, Inc.

earl@emergencyice.com

214.631.3535

INSURANCE:

John Betty john@friscoia.com
Frisco Insurance Agency, Inc 9555 Lebanon Rd, Ste 201 Frisco, TX 75035 214-619-1700

PRINTING:

Versa Print:

Sergio@versaprinting.com

972-243-5353

According to the City of Dallas Office of Special Events, the following clean-up schedule will be in place for Saturday, March 14, 2015:

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM - G.A.A.B.A. responsible for cleaning of parade route (sidewalk to sidewalk)

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM - Merchant parking lot “cleaning check”

4:00 PM - G.A.A.B.A. completes parade clean-up, provided event begins on time and there are no issues during event

4:00 PM - Merchants continue responsibility of cleaning their parking lots

Note: Merchants are responsible for maintaining trash clean-up in their parking lots and around their property line. The City of Dallas Code Compliance team will be performing random inspections every hour. If trash is not being maintained, the merchant will be written a citation. Trash bins removed from the event site onto private property will become the responsibility of the merchant to maintain. The Code Compliance City Ordinance states:

SEC. 7A-18. DUTY TO MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE FROM LITTER.

An owner, occupant, or person in control of private premises commits an offense if he places, deposits, or throws; permits to accumulate; or permits or causes to be placed, deposited, or 

thrown, any litter on the premises or in or on any gutter or parkway adjacent to the premises or on one-half of that portion of an alley adjacent to the premises, unless the litter has been deposited in an authorized private receptacle for collection. (Ord. Nos. 10371; 13804; 20599).

Working with the city and our new sponsors will allow us to continue to make this an even better parade now and in the future. And working together as a community will further ensure a successful event. Not only do Greenville Avenue and the surrounding area depend on the success of this event, but also thousands of North Texans make plans every year to celebrate with us. Let’s keep the tradition going.

Sincerely Yours,

Kevin Vela G.A.A.B.A. President 

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

If you weren't able to attend our first UCPID happy hour, then you miss a great time and some especially great pizza.  A huge thanks to Old Chicago Pizza for hosting our group. Be sure to attend the next one in April - we will keep you posted on the date, time and location. 

I realize I am quite the optimist when it comes to our new pedestrian and bike bridge over Mockingbird Lane. I can assure you it will happen and happen soon! In fact, I will have some good news to share in our next newsletter along with additional projects connected to the bridge. Also, please take a moment to drive down SMU Boulevard to see how it's coming together. We are very proud of this project as well.

If you haven't watched college tennis, especially in a facility like the new SMU Tennis Complex, then we urge you to choose a date to watch this spectacular sport in this state-of-the-art facility. Go SMU tennis!  

Finally, I would like to send a special thanks to Larry Walton of the Highlands Residences and their HOA for inviting me to speak to them on the latest happenings in our PID - we have many great things to highlight in our district. Please stay in touch and let us know about any exciting goings-on in your business or area in general.

Barry Annino

Executive Director

Spotlight On...

Doug Snyder, 

General Manager of Dallas Central Market

​How long have you worked with Central Market: 

I have been a General Manager with Central Market for seven years; with the last four years here at the Lovers Lane location.

How has Greenville Avenue changed since you have been with Central Market: 

Certainly the far south Greenville Ave. restaurant and retail strip has blossomed, giving more exposure to all of Greenville. The addition of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum has certainly raised the awareness about the area.

A favorite place to dine in the UCPID and what you typically order:

Café Brazil for breakfast - give me a cheese and tomato omelet any day! And of course, for lunch, you can't beat Central Market's chef's case, chef's specials or salad bar - always great options.

A favorite business you frequent in the UCPID and why: 

The Wave Wash is a winner - it's great service, a great product and a quick and easy way to take care of my car!

A favorite perk or service Central Market offers that some of us may not be aware of (yet!): 

Our Cooking School! We offer diverse classes, like celebrity chef Martin Yan on February 27 for a class on Chinese New Year's, or our popular Basic Knife Skills class, taught by our team of chefs, every third Saturday morning of the month.

SPOTLIGHT ON: EMPIRE BAKING COMPANY

Meaders Ozarow, along with her husband Robert Ozarow, own and operate the European-style natural bread supplier, Empire Baking Company. With headquarters and a wholesale shop located in the UCPID, they are known near and far for their baked goods that grace most of the restaurant tables in the city, as well as their storefront in Inwood Village.

When did you move the Empire Baking Company corporate office and wholesale store to its 5614 East University locale:

We moved into the district 11 years ago.

How has the neighborhood changed since you opened in your current space:

The neighborhood has changed tremendously and has evolved so much over the last 11 years. SMU has taken a presence in the neighborhood, which has energized the area, and there has been apartment development and lots of new restaurants. Central Market's opening has brought traffic across Central and into the area. Mockingbird Station has also been a great retail destination with such nice energy, and a major DART station adding easy access. The Bush Library has been a recent newcomer, and even though it is not in the district, its proximity has added excitement.  Most recently, when Starbucks added a store, it confirmed that the area is growing and exciting.

Favorite place to dine in the UCPID:

I am a big Rusty Taco fan. I order two #6 Rajas Tacos and sometimes the #7 Fish Taco;  also chips and queso.  I love the design of the restaurant and the outdoor patio.  

Favorite business you frequent in the UCPID:

I frequent Park Cities Obedience School, where I acquired our rescue dog, Abbi. She attends doggie day care there, and I occasionally board her there when I'm out of town. I also like Union Coffee up the street on Dyer - it's my gourmet coffee stop. In the afternoon, I am a Coke Zero addict, so I head over to the 7-11 (I love 7-11!).  

A charity that you consistently support:

I drive a route for VNA's Meals on Wheels because feeding seniors and allowing them to age with dignity is important. We donate our Wednesday leftover bread to the Vickery Meadow Food Bank because that is the area serving one of our city's most vulnerable populations. We also support the North Texas Food Bank and have a table at the Empty Bowls fundraiser. We are so blessed to provide bread for some of the finest restaurants in town; but on the other side, there are people in this wonderful city that are food insecure and need our help.

www.empirebaking.com

SPOTLIGHT ON: THE HIGHLAND HOTEL

Meet David Lemmond, the new General Manager of The Highland hotel. Lemmond hails from some of the most highly regarded boutique hotels in the nation, such as three locations of The Standard in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami Beach, and most recently, Hotel Vitale in San Francisco.

The Highland Hotel Dallas

Tell us about any exciting additions to the hotel since the transformation from Hotel Palomar to The Highland:

The name change to The Highland Dallas was a big change, and we are the first Hotel in Curio - A Collection by Hilton. The relationship with Hilton brings the Hotel full circle from its original opening as the Hilton Inn in the '60s. We will be making improvements to the property over the coming months including a five million dollar planned upgrade to our guest rooms and meeting/event spaces. I think the property will truly gain a sense of place at the crossroads of style and comfort, culture and sophistication, historic ties and modern touches. 

Favorite lunch spot in University Crossing:

It sounds a little much, but I have eaten many a lunch at Knife since my arrival. We just started serving lunch about a month ago and have been building up momentum! My favorites are a toss up between The Ozersky Burger (cue mouth watering) and the Grilled Reuben!

 Most frequented shop in University Crossing:

I love Atama at Mockingbird Station. The collection of unique and colorful pieces make art and the creative process accessible to just about anyone. It's a fun store to explore even though it is small in scale. Mockingbird Station is right across the street from the hotel so it is easy to sneak over there for some retail inspiration.

Favorite way to spend your free time in Dallas:

As a new resident of Dallas, exploring has been my favorite pastime. I've enjoyed getting in my car and going off in different directions, finding new neighborhoods or landmarks to explore. Dallas is a big place and finding all the hidden treasures is fun. Walking through Highland Park Village or Bishop Arts District are great experiences. A visit to the Dallas Art Museum with dinner at Trinity Groves feels like you have gone to different worlds yet are just a short drive apart.

www.thehighlanddallas.com

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Barry Annino, University Crossing Director

I am proud to send this inaugural newsletter for University Crossing - the recently formed Public Improvement District (UCPID) encompassing the area defined by North Central Expressway (US 75), Mockingbird Lane, Greenville Avenue and Lovers Lane. The UCPID began with a group of business and property owners who felt our area had the potential to claim its own region and personality within the Dallas city limits. The area is transforming into a vibrant mix of uses including education, retail, office and residential - and the goal of the PID is to elevate these businesses to create one dynamic district. These visionaries went to City Hall, met with the district property owners, and the plan was agreed to and passed by Dallas City Council. We now have been approved to tax ourselves, with the tax dollars managed by our Board of Directors, and to receive enhanced services for our area. What we have created is our own district named University Crossing.

My job as Executive Director is to oversee the security, beautification, capital improvements, promotions, and spending, as well as serve as your voice, along with all of our committee chairs, before the Dallas City Council. I hope that you enjoy these monthly newsletters, and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns or good news to share at ba@universitycrossing.com.

Please visit our website at  www.universitycrossing.com  and stay tuned for a new website that will feature a directory, events calendar and more! We have many new projects taking place over the next year and I look forward to keeping you informed of all the exciting developments.

Barry Annino

Executive Director